Extended reality (XR) is a powerful investment. Our devices can streamline workflows, bolster security, reduce mechanical failure rates and connect global teams like never before.
Heck. In the right situation, they can even help save lives.
On top of all that, they're cool. Really cool. Sleek, compact, cutting-edge. Packed with features that – if you're a bit of a gadget geek – you'll be dying to try out.
It's tempting to act like an excited kid on Christmas morning. You've torn open the wrapping paper and seen the train set you've always wanted. Turkey can wait – you've got a locomotive empire to build in the back room.
But before you start handing headsets to staff, it's worth pausing to think about the whys, hows and whats. Why have you invested in XR? How will you use the devices to achieve your goals? And what steps will you take to ensure effective deployment and a long working lifespan?
It's that final point – the whats – that we'll focus on today. There are plenty of blog posts that cover the benefits of investing in XR devices. This one's all about the nitty-gritty of deploying, cleaning and looking after your investments.
Keep these tips in mind to maximise your ROI and minimise hiccups.
Follow manufacturer directions
OK. This first tip is hardly revelatory. "Read the instructions", basically.
But it's worth mentioning. After all, care and use instructions are there for a reason. The manufacturer knows its products – and it knows the best ways to keep them happy and functional.
Plus, manufacturer warranties are sometimes deemed invalid if you fail to abide by these directions. It's in your best interest to keep your nose clean and follow instructions to the letter. That way, in the unlikely event of a fault, you can prove that it wasn't you who caused it.
The good news is that faults really are unlikely. Enterprise-grade XR devices are built to withstand the rough and tumble of busy industrial environments. The majority are ruggedised and have been thoroughly drop-tested. To cite one exceptionally sturdy example, RealWear's HMT-1Z1 is intrinsically safe, meaning it's suitable for hazardous, potentially explosive environments.
In any case, it's good practice to take note of manufacturer directions and integrate these into your own use and maintenance policies. These directions might detail things like optimal operating conditions, "dos and don'ts" of use and cleaning instructions.
Talking of which…
Keep them clean
There are two sides to this coin.
On the one hand, cleaning is part and parcel of a good maintenance routine. Keeping lenses clear and wiping away dust will ensure your devices stay in good nick for longer.
But cleaning is also about health, safety and hygiene.
At the time of writing, we've weathered the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic – but we're not out of the woods just yet. This global health emergency has put the need for workplace hygiene in sharp focus. However, limiting the spread of pathogens should always be front of mind – pandemic or no.
Since it's rarely possible to deploy personal headsets for individual workers, it pays to make cleanliness part of company policy. Make sure devices are cleaned after each use – and decide who takes responsibility for this.
Cleaning instructions will vary from device to device. It's best to take the manufacturer's lead on this and follow whatever advice is written in the manual. However, as a general rule, you can clean devices using a damp cloth and a mild detergent. Microfibre cloths are best for delicate lenses.
Of course, personal hygiene comes into this as well. No doubt your organisation already has relevant ordinances in place, but it's worth paying special attention to policy when shared wearables are involved.
Abide by fleet management best practices
For the uninitiated, fleet management means having a bird's eye view of all the devices in your organisation. It means knowing how your devices are being used and who's using them. And it means controlling the information, apps and features that are accessible on these devices.
All of this has obvious implications for the safety and longevity of your XR headsets. Following fleet management best practices equips you with a digital audit trail, so if something goes awry, you'll have a better idea of why it went awry.
This might be a device fault – in which case you can examine why the fault happened and troubleshoot it – or it might be a case of theft or wilful misuse. Without a fleet management system, it can be hard to spot theft or sabotage until it's too late.
And it's not just about identifying problems after the fact. By building a walled garden of approved apps and features, you can proactively limit the potential for misuse, intentional or otherwise.
There are several ways to handle fleet management. You can do it manually, using spreadsheets and paperwork, but this can be clumsy, slow and prone to error. Alternatively, you can invest in an MDM (mobile device management) solution to streamline the process.
If you have more than a handful of devices in use, you'll probably want to choose the latter option. There are many MDM solutions on the market, some of which are designed especially for XR devices.
Consider insurance
Unless you're just getting started, there's a good chance you've already insured your business gizmos.
If you haven't, it's worth thinking about putting a policy in place. Our XR devices are as robust as they come – but it's just good common sense to protect yourself in the unlikely event of failure, theft or loss.
Are you only using your XR devices on-site? They may be covered by your contents insurance – so it's worth a quick phone call to check.
If staff are taking devices off premises, then you'll need a separate policy. This kind of policy is often known as "business gadget insurance" or "portable equipment insurance".
We hope this guide helps you make the most of your XR investment.
Are you yet to deploy XR technology in your business? Explore our online shop to discover industry-ready devices from Vuzix, Magic Leap and more.